Archive

Cleobury Tenants Association: Jean Basham, 2 Love Lane, Cleobury (01299 271107).

September 26, 1903 AN alarming accident occurred at the water tower which is being erected at Dagtail, Astwood Bank, on Thursday morning. Two men named Harry Hemming, aged 20, of Fleece Hill, Studley, and William Gregory, aged 26, of Dagtail, were engaged

ANGRY residents have slammed council chiefs after leaflets advertising a new rubbish collection day for about 800 houses were not delivered. Wyre Forest District Council apologised for the confusion - which saw wheelie bins left unemptied for days - and

September 15, 1978 HOPES are fading for extra Redditch branch libraries at Crabbs Cross and Matchborough or Winyates. The Hereford and Worcester libraries committee was told at a meeting this week that the Crabbs Cross branch library was a "non-starter

September 18, 1953 AFTER a great start to the 1953 Redditch Carnival week, rain on Tuesday spoiled the evening programme to a certain extent and considerable reductions to the takings. A big crowd on Wednesday, however, probably improved matters. On Wednesday

BOTH binmen and residents are on a "learning curve" as recycling is rolled out. But most people have taken to the new system well, according to recycling operator Colin Faulkner. "There's obviously some confusion as to what can and can't be recycled and

WORCESTER Rugby Club's young guns have been handed the ammunition to shoot down the 'old guard' if they perform at Wakefield tomorrow. John Brain -- the Sixways director of rugby -- has included a number of academy graduates in the team for the fifth

Kidderminster: Crown House, Bull Ring, Kidderminster (01562 620100).

A WOMAN who suffers from vertigo has tackled her phobia to boost Kemp Hospice's appeal after being inspired by friends' praise of its care. Ann Williams has braved two abseils to raise almost £800 for both the campaign to secure a new home for the hospice

September 19, 1903 HAROLD Shaw and Francis Gull, Edward Street, and Charles Crooke, Britten Street, were charged with damaging a quick-set hedge, the property of Lord Windsor, and doing damage to the amount of 1s at Brockhill Lane on August 30. Mr FJ

Headway House: 7-9 Galahad Way, Stourport (01299 878738).

September 12, 1903 ALFRED William Spencer, who resides in Green Lane, in Studley, an old offender well known in Redditch, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Evesham Street on Tuesday. Pc Bonell, the officer who arrested Mr Spencer on the night

RECYCLING boxes being delivered to households across Wyre Forest are to be supplied with lids following public pressure. The district council had intended supplying them on request but will now deliver lids with the boxes designed to take newspaper, cans

JOHN Brain has revealed he is under no financial pressure to keep Adrian Olver at Gloucester. Worcester's director of rugby sent Olver on loan to Kingsholm last month in order for the prop to get some much-needed game time. However, the dual benefit for

September 11, 1953 THE Redditch and District Small Bore Rifle League have asked Redditch Urban Council to include a rifle range in their scheme for developing the Birmingham Road playing fields. In a letter to the council's parks committee the league

September 8, 1978 LOCAL councillors plan to keep up the pressure for improvements to the Redditch-Birmingham rail link following top-level sanction for a pilot scheme. Redditch public services committee full for "full steam ahead" to back up the top level

Homestart Wyre Forest: Senior Co-ordinator, Jane Jarman and Shirley Page, MCF Complex, 60 New Road, Kidderminster (01562 825896).

COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to get tough with residents who overfill their wheelie bins once a new recycling scheme starts next month. Refuse collection crews are to enforce existing policies by refusing to take bins which do not have a fully closed lid

September 1, 1978 THE ornamental pond at Church Hill shopping centre has been criticised as a "dirty, dangerous disgrace" by a group of young mothers on the estate. They said they did not even dare let their young children play outside while they shop

Severn Trent: Severn Trent plc Headquarters, 2297 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham (0121 722 4000); out of hours leakline (0800 783 4444), Customer contact centre (0845 750 0500).

JOHN Brain has admitted he has been left "extremely frustrated" by the growing injury list at Sixways. Worcester's director of rugby has been forced to delay naming his side to face Wakefield at Sixways tomorrow (3pm) with Ben Daly, Neil Lyman, Chris

THE distraught families of two toddlers who died of suspected Fujian flu have made a desperate plea for the county coroner to clarify the cause of their deaths. Tamara Whitty and Tamsin Griffiths died more than six weeks ago, but their families have still

A MAN whose wife died of cancer has been spurred on to raise money for Kemp Hospice and keep her memory alive. Tony Williams was "devastated" when Madeline died aged 60 in March 2001 from cancer of the liver. His wife, a "highly-regarded" former Bewdley

September 5, 1903 CONSIDERABLE local interest is manifested annually in the growth of various kinds of vegetables, fruits etc in and around the neighbourhood of Astwood Bank. And growth above the average size usually attracts much interest from green-fingered

WORCESTER Rugby Club back Ben Hinshelwood has lost his place in Scotland's World Cup squad for the match against France at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. Hinshelwood started at full-back in the opening game against Japan and was then dropped

A "REVOLUTION in rubbish" is to finally get under way in parts of Wyre Forest in seven weeks. Weekly kerbside recycling collections and a fortnightly wheelie bin collection service will be introduced in tandem at 9,000 households in parts of Kidderminster

JOHN Brain slammed Worcester Rugbu Club's 'unacceptable' display in the victory over Exeter Chiefs. The Sixways director of rugby was furious with the level of performance in the Powergen Cup match and ordered his troops in for Sunday morning training

August 28, 1953 TO mark the appreciation of "her unfailing kindness, help and courtesy" during her 15 years as postmistress of Bradley Green, Miss FE Lane, who retires at the end of the month, was presented with a cheque for £18 together with a list of

A VICTIM of a vicious pub attack in which his nose was bitten clean off is about to stage his first major theatre production. Bob Clarke, who had to have his nose rebuilt after the horrific assault 15 years ago, will play the lead in Jeffrey Bernard is

A law firm is offering free wills for a donation to Kemp Hospice of just £10. Both the Kidderminster and Stourport offices of Painter Solicitors are taking part in the deal next week and the company will take the contribution on behalf of the hospice.

August 22, 1903 The annual church parade of the Redditch (H) Company Rifle Volunteers took place on Sunday. The Company, about 80 strong and looking exceedingly smart in their new khaki uniforms, assembled at their drill hall, Ipsley Street and from there

WORCESTER Rugby Club could make a World Cup swoop after terminating Dean Thomas' contract. The flanker, who only started one league game since his summer move from Swansea, has left Sixways after failing to settle. Thomas was commuting from South Wales

A MARRIED couple found dead in their Pinvin home during Christmas were yesterday laid to rest. The deaths of Lawson and Christine Stephens sparked a murder hunt when their bodies were discovered at their Abbey View Road house on Saturday, December 20.

ARTISTIC youngsters across Wyre Forest are today given a wonderful opportunity to make their mark on a new recycling initiative - and help spread the Get Sorted! message. District council chiefs are offering schoolchildren aged four to 14 the opportunity

SLIMMERS are losing pounds and Kemp Hospice is gaining them as waistlines shrink for the charity. Eight people - members of Hartlebury's Torton Turds football club and their partners - have pledged to shed up to seven stone between them to raise at least

WRVS Kidderminster, Meals On Wheels: Mrs Wilkinson, Tulip Tree Day Centre, Castle Road, Kidderminster (01562 827010). Cleobury Mortimer Meals on Wheels: Mrs T. Chapman, Ragged Edge, Ludlow Road, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 270575).

August 18, 1978 A trip down memory lane after 60 years has jogged the memories of Alvechurch people. Mr Oscar Cabuy, a Belgian war refugee during the First World War has made a remembrance trip back to Alvechurch to thank people who cared for him - and

PATIENTS and volunteers at Kemp Hospice have made a collage to brighten up a brand new facility in Africa. The colourful creation was sent to Tanzania's first ever hospice, due to be completed by November, earlier this month. The gift - which took a month

August 11, 1978 BREWERS hope that Redditch's newest pub will look like one of its oldest when it opens. Although it will be incorporated into the largest new town estate, the Book and Candle in Church Hill will have an olde worlde feel about it, being

MORE than 500 people bagged a cheap compost bin as part of a promotion during national composting awareness week which finished at the weekend. Wyre Forest District Council teamed up with Original Organics to offer cut-priced bins for between £10 and

SPIRITUAL healing - and physical refreshment - is a big draw for one patient marking her first anniversary at Kemp Hospice. Betty Morrison, 71, who is seriously ill with bone cancer, has been visiting the day care centre three times a week since last

August 4, 1978 THE largest new town estate in Redditch has been labelled a 'cultural desert' by a Development Corporation community worker. Mr Bob Beech has criticised the lack of groups catering for art, music and drama lovers in Church Hill. He wants

August 7, 1953 Astwood Bank Tenor Dies - The death occurred on Friday at his home in Castle Street after an illness of Mr William Edward Robinson, who was a native of the village and spent nearly 40 years in employ of Cadbury Bros Ltd, Bournville. He

A COUPLE who declined ruby wedding anniversary gifts and asked well-wishers to support the building appeal have won a bottle of champagne. Leon and Ena Lloyd, of Furlongs Road, Cleobury Mortimer, held a party to mark 40 years of marriage at the Horse

Muscular Dystrophy Kidderminster Branch: T. Chipp, Secretary, Myln Awelon, Titton, Stourport (01299 879676).

July 28, 1978 CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish the Abbey High School to make way for a ring road have been backed by Redditch councillors. The council is to 'go it alone' in support of the Abbey route despite a recent reversal of policy by the development

THE Waresley site is in a quarry used by neighbours Baggeridge Brick. It opened eight years ago, with the rubbish filling in the void created by the extraction works. The site will be temporarily vacated in a couple of years to allow the brick firm to

POLICE have issued an appeal to a witness who contacted them about an assault in which a 17-year-old girl was attacked. The attack took place outside the Victoria Wine Shop, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster on Friday, December 19. The victim suffered head

July 31, 1953 CHILDREN attending Mappleborough Green Church of England School were presented with Coronation five shillings before breaking up for their holidays last Friday. The gifts were handed to Miss Carratt, the headmistress, by Mr T Humphries on

Kidderminster and District: Della (01562 863045 General inquiries). Kidderminster Ante-natal Classes: Jo Marshall (01299 404131).

A HAVEN for people recovering from major treatments is set to welcome more people through its doors. Kemp Hospice's nurse manager, Helen Windridge, said it aimed to get patients back on their feet, frequently after enduring debilitating courses to combat

IT must feel like the holiday is over and term has started again. The Twenty20 Cup has been resolved to a final four and the serious business of the Championship has resumed. Worcestershire started this next phase eight points clear of Somerset at the

BROMSGROVE Rovers will finally have home advantage in the next round of the FA Cup with a clash against Warrington Town or Whitby Town. The Victoria Ground club have been forced to play four successive away matches to reach the fourth qualifying round

23 July, 1978 GKN Contractors Ltd of Redditch, in joint venture with Ross Poultry Ltd, has won a contract with the Republic of Iraq worth £21.5 million for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of three poultry slaughterhouses for the Ministry

THE sun has shone on the ECB's new baby and Twenty20 cricket has had a glorious birth. Football takes a break in Eastern Europe to allow for mid-winter temperatures. Now the English cricket season is holding a mid-summer carnival, a feast of one-day fun

NEXT weekend, Worcestershire's biggest annual summer event the Three Counties Show takes place at Malvern, firing on all cylinders again at last. Now restyled by marketing moguls as the Three Counties Countryside Show, to emphasise its broadening appeal

A CHARITY is making a difference to thousands of people in the county, thanks to a cash windfall from an unexpected source. DIAL South Worcestershire provides an information service for people with disabilities. The charity, which has an office in the

MORE than a decade of dedicated service has been recognised with this week's bottle of champagne. Barbara Ferrier, 60, started visiting Kemp Hospice patients in their homes 12 years ago and she now also helps out at the Sutton Park Road centre three or

July 24, 1953 THE recent news that the Government was prepared to sanction a loan for the purpose of developing the Birmingham Road playing fields, Redditch, more properly known as the Plymouth Playing Field, gives real promise that there will be a happy

A UNIQUE experiment to test out the district's new recycling scheme got under way this week. Four families selected by the Shuttle/Times and News have taken delivery of their recycling boxes and began the "Get Sorted!" test on Tuesday. The families were

THE three home wins last week certainly put a healthier perspective on Worcestershire's year so far. With the sun starting to shine, it feels as if the season is really getting under way. A feature of the infant season is Nantie Hayward's ability to take

WORCESTER Rugby Club could be set for a sixth round clash with Pertemps Bees in the Powergen Cup. The two Midland sides, who occupy the top two places in National One, have been potentially drawn together for a sixth round match on November 15. The Sixways

Bewdley: Centre Organiser Stella Keysell, Lax Lane, Bewdley (01299 404004). Kidderminster: Red Cross House, Park Street, Kidderminster (01562 823385) or Michael Gregg (01562 636084). Red Cross Home From Hospital: (01905 763935). Worcestershire Branch

DOZENS of wannabe recyclers have stepped up to volunteer their services as rubbish-sorting "guinea pigs" after a Shuttle/Times and News appeal. We asked for volunteers to test the new recycling and wheelie-bin collection scheme which, from July, is set

FORMER England full-back Jon Callard will launch the North Midlands Coaching Society's winter programme with a session at Worcester's Sixways headquarters on Wednesday. Former Bath player Callard, who is now head coach at Premiership side Leeds Tykes

July 7, 1978 REDDITCH'S plush new magistrates court opened this week - and it was business as usual. Magistrates quickly settled in to hear deception, indecent assault and theft cases after their move from the old Church Green courtrooms. The purpose-built

Kidderminster Division: 197 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster (01562 862290). Worcestershire Division: 148 Wylds Lane, Worcester (01905 359512). Shropshire County Headquarters: St John House, Priory Road, Shrewsbury (01743 231280).

WERNER Swanepoel will not have to go under the knife after all. Worcester Rugby Club's skipper was booked in for an operation on what doctors initially thought was a knee cartilage problem. However, after further scans, the injury - suffered against London

SECRECY surrounding discussions about possible housing development at Stanbrook Abbey has angered members of Powick Parish Council. The nuns at Stanbrook have announced their plan to leave Callow End when they have a suitable new home, giving rise to

WES Davies and Jon Hylton will be handed their first starts as Worcester play Harrogate at Sixways. The new signings, who joined last week to bolster John Brain and Andy Keast's squad, are both included in the side for the third round Powergen Cup clash

July 11, 1903 JOHN Henry Baylis, of Brook Street, was charged with using indecent language within view or hearing of Prospect Road. Evidence in support of the charge was given by Superintendent Hayes and four women, who said he made the use of such language

Samaritans: (08457 909090). Worcestershire Samaritans: (01905 21121).

July 4, 1903 At one time Redditch bore a fairly good reputation in the county for the orderliness and good behaviour of its inhabitants, but there looks a danger of that reputation having to be forfeited. On Saturday night last, there was a serious case

THE new recycling system will be slowly phased in across Wyre Forest from July. Every household will eventually get two recycling boxes for newspapers, plastic, cans, glass and textiles, which will be collected weekly. A wheelie bin for the remaining

WERNER Swanepoel was carried from the Sixways pitch with a knee injury after Worcester's 34-0 win over London Welsh on Saturday. The injury initially looked to be a bad one, but the Warriors' skipper was yesterday hoping that the problem would not keep

Kidderminster Dysphasic Support: Mrs J. Baldwin (01562 827511). Wyre Forest Stroke Club: Age Concern, Tulip Tree Centre, Castle Road, Kidderminster (01562 827788).

June 27, 1903 GEORGE Robinson, formerly of Headless Cross and now of Astwood Bank, pleaded guilty to being drunk in the Evesham Road in Astwood Bank on the 16th inst. Sergeant Haynes gave evidence as to the condition of the defendant. He was drunk and

THERE'S no deep meaning hidden behind the band name Sideways Glance - it's simply what singer and songwriter Paul Sewell was doing when he was racking his brains trying to think of a name. "It came into my head as I was glancing sideways, then I realised

THE issue of recycling - and how to encourage people to think before they bin their rubbish - is set to be a high priority for Wyre Forest District Council in the year ahead. The proportion of rubbish recycled in the district stands at just 5.58 per cent

A PRIVATE party had a public spin-off after a couple celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary asked guests to help Kemp Hospice's building appeal. About 70 people helped Ena and Leon Lloyd, of Furlongs Road, Cleobury Mortimer, mark 40 years together

June 23, 1978 PLANS for a training workshop for unemployed new town school leavers have come under fire from an education adviser who wants to see Redditch College used for the scheme instead. The Manpower Services Commission wants to set up the workshop

VOLUNTEERS at Kemp Hospice have praised its stimulating atmosphere and professional care - and highlighted the need for a bigger base. Unpaid workers fill a number of roles for the Sutton Park Road centre, including transporting patients, helping with

June 19, 1953 Redditch Urban District Council is having road name trouble again. The dissatisfied residents this time are in Forge Mill Road, a newly constructed road at the foot of Meadow Hill Road, and the council has been requested to change the name

Kidderminster and District Roadpeace Group: Rosemary Dalley (0208 838 5102). North West Worcestershire: 4 Broomfield Green, Kidderminster (01562 743900) fax 01562 66416.

JOHN Brain slammed Worcester's performance at Goldington Road but admitted he was pleased with the result. "We're not happy with the performance," said the director of rugby. "We created problems for ourselves and we're just relieved to get out of Bedford

WERNER Swanepoel has called on his Worcester team-mates to play it cool at Bedford today. The Sixways skipper watched on in Worcester's opening National One match of the season at Otley as tempers spilled over. On that day, Craig Gillies was yellow carded

Formed: 1902 St.George's Lane, Worcester, WR1 1QT Tel: 01905 23003 Fax: 01905 26668 Club web site: www.worcestercityfc.org.uk Chairman: Dr Michael Sorensen Vice Chairman: Laurie Brown Directors: Brian Lancaster, Trevor Griffiths, Jon Prescott, Alan Wills

June 10, 1953 Mr E Buckley, Redditch Urban Council surveyor, told members of the Estates Committee on Monday that 1,789 houses had been completed in the district since the end of the war. Of these, 1,456 were council houses, 316 had been built privately

KEEPING up with Kemp Hospice's day-to-day costs has added importance with all eyes currently on the building appeal, according to the campaign manager. John Fletcher said fundraising to meet running expenses was critical if the dream of the new £2.2 million

Wyre Forest Widows and Widowers: Gill Barth (01562 60501) or Ann Payton (01299 403078).

Barnardo's Breakaway Project: 35 Worcester Street, Kidderminster (01562 754260).

TOMMY Hayes - the hero of Worcester's weekend win over Orrell - will only make the bench on Saturday. The former Cook Islands international fly half is named as a substitute for the Warriors' National One trip to Bedford (3pm) as James Brown comes into

IN a quick fire start for the hosts, it took just two minutes from the first whistle for Bredon to work the ball wide to their left wing who went over in the corner with referee Rowley awarding the try which was not converted. BREDON II 10pts, UPTON II

WORCESTER Rugby Club will not be citing any Otley players after video evidence failed to reveal anything untoward at Cross Green. The Sixways club were sent the video by Otley from their opening National One match where a number of incidents occurred

THE camaraderie at Kemp Hospice is helping to make one patient's life worth living. Sixty-seven-year-old Peter Simmons is terminally ill with bone cancer but values the company he gets from his trips to the hospice - especially as he lives alone. He visits

FIFTY years ago this week, huge celebrations swept the country as people marked the Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation was on June 2, 1953, and as part of the festivities, the residents of Yvonne Road in Crabbs Cross decided to get

1st Kidderminster: Stephen Bentham, Milton Hall, Kidderminster (01562 630471). 2nd Kidderminster: Stephen Howles, HQ Trinity Methodist (01562 748678).

BEN Hinshelwood will know tomorrow whether he can play one more Worcester game before the World Cup. The Sixways centre was released from Scotland duty to play in the 40-14 victory over Orrell on Saturday. Warriors coaches John Brain and Andy Keast are

June 6, 1903 FOR many years, Astwood Bank has not been visited by such a terrific thunder storm as that which occurred on Saturday afternoon. For upwards of an hour the storm raged with unabated severity. The vivid flashes of lightning and deafening peals

TOMMY Hayes was delighted with his stunning 60-metre penalty which inspired Worcester during their 40-14 victory over Orrell. The fly-half, who enjoyed a standing ovation from the Sixways crowd following another impressive display, kicked the three points

1st Kidderminster: Mrs Bentham, Milton Hall, Kidderminster (01562 630471). 2nd Kidderminster: Mrs Green, HQ Trinity Methodist, (01562 748186).

EVER since Kemp Hospice was founded two decades ago this week's winner of a bottle of champagne has been a staunch supporter. Marie Beahan, 73, already raised money for Macmillan nurses when the hospice was set up in 1981 and tries to help any cause connected

COACHES John Brain and Andy Keast are demanding a performance from Worcester Rugby Club's under-achievers. The Sixways management duo watched on in horror during Worcester's weekend win at Otley and have made their views clear to the squad this week.

NEARLY 100 years ago, these were the young footballers of the Marsden Road Swifts, based in Smallwood. The picture was taken in 1906 or 1907 and was supplied by Colin Hopcroft, of Greenlands Avenue. His father, Arthur Benjamin Hopcroft, who was about

WORCESTER Rugby Club are already struggling with injuries just one week into the season. The Sixways club, who suffered a terrible time last year with a catalogue of injuries, will be without Dan Zaltzman, Drew Hickey and David Officer for Saturday's

THIS week's winners of a bottle of champagne are husband and wife team Bob and Pauline Powell. The duo, of Franchecourt Drive, Kiddermin-ster, have been rewarded for their tireless support of Kemp Hospice and its building appeal. "They've been a tremendous

May 30, 1903 A PAINFUL feeling was caused in Redditch on Tuesday afternoon on the rumour gaining currency that an employee of the Enfield Cycle Company had been killed in a motor accident. Subsequent enquiries, however, led to the conclusion that the

FOUR major trophies were competed for at Perdiswell Park Golf Club. The first of these, the Olive Hodgetts Memorial Trophy drew a field of 36 but it was a past captain David Tolley that threw caution aside and attacked the course. Having the benefit of

May 29, 1953 STUDLEY Parish Council decided at its annual meeting last Thursday to consider schemes to relieve traffic congestion on the main street. The decision followed the submission of a letter from the Divisional Surveyor setting out reasons for

NEW signing Ben Daly admitted his first Worcester try was a bitter-sweet moment at Otley. The hooker ran through for a last-minute try before taking a vicious kick to the head by a Cross Green player. "I remember crossing the line and trying to improve

GENEROUS fund-raisers are making sure Kemp Hospice is bucking the nationwide trend of centres struggling to make ends meet. Amid national reports of hospices being forced to turn away the dying, it is in better health than all of its Worcestershire counterparts

May 29, 1953 STUDLEY Parish Council decided at its annual meeting last Thursday to consider schemes to relieve traffic congestion on the main street. The decision followed the submission of a letter from the Divisional Surveyor setting out reasons for

MORE than 90 competitors flocked to the The Vale Golf and Country Club for the annual Ladies Open Greensomes. This year the honours were very much family affairs with the top two prizes being won by mother and daughter combinations. In first place with

CURRENT ladies champion at Evesham Golf Club, Kirsty Law, again proved her prowess when claiming the girls title at the club's Junior Open. The 15-year-old then took her place in the English Girls' U16 Championships when she lost at the quarter-final

A PATIENT on just his seventh visit to Kemp Hospice has told how he has already started to regain his self-belief. John Hill has coronary heart disease and unstable angina - a condition that is not necessarily terminal but could kill him at any time.

ANY old iron would seem to be an appropriate phrase to link with Boughton Park golfer Paul Matthews who triumphed in one of the regional finals of the Jameson-Golf World Champion of Champions event at Hollingwell GC, Nottinghamshire, this week. The two

Bewdley Youth Centre: Mrs M. Appleyard, Stourport Road, Bewdley (01299 401723). Far Forest Residential Youth Centre: Brian Richards, Secretary (01299 266554). Kidderminster Youth House: Adrian Jenkinson, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 752711)

May 22, 1953 Studley Coronation Committee is within reach of raising its target figure of £300, it is reported this week. The funds benefited by about £20 as a result of a concert held in Entaco Hall on Tuesday. The event was organised by Miss Stephanie

TOMMY Hayes has won the race for number 10 at Sixways. Worcester Rugby Club's new signing has been given the vote by coaches John Brain and Andy Keast ahead of the Warriors' trip to Otley on Saturday (3pm). Hayes, who signed from Glasgow in the summer

May 19, 1978 Home Secretary Mr Merlyn Rees paid a surprise unannounced visit to the Redditch area last week. Mr Rees spent two hours talking to staff and inmates at Hewell Grange borstal at Tardebigge. Mr Rees said he had come to see the "neighbourhood

Cleobury Youth Club: Irene Stelfox, Ludlow Youth Office (01584 874723). Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs: Shires Farm, Hawford (01905 620064). Wyre Forest Watch (Nature/Environment) for 8-13 year-olds: Chris Doncaster (01562 745550). Young

May 15, 1953 Under an Act of parliament dated 1831 which makes it an offence to make "unreasonable use of the highway", Redditch police hope to put an end to the prevalent practice of using the streets as a daytime garage. Ten kerbside parking places

PERDISWELL Park Golf Club's June midweek medal was played in perfect conditions at the Park course and ending with Ron Milbourne and Jack Ruston both carding net 63 scores but Milbourne winning on a count back. Chris Case followed in third place with

Kidderminster Youth House: Bromgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 752711). Youth Enquiry Service: Kidderminster Youth Centre, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 829135 or 752711). Worcestershire Youth Service: Kidderminster Youth House, Bromsgrove

May 9, 1903 Crabbs Cross - Tillers Mannikins. During the last fortnight, Mr Ambrose Tiller has been giving entertainments with his famous show of mechanical mannikins or marionettes in a field near to the Board School. Large audiences have nightly visited

GOLFER Gordon Bailey is celebrating after winning the Midlands Senior Amateur Championships. The member of Worcester's Boughton Park club shot a four over par gross 76 at Gay Hill Golf Club to win the tournament by one shot and improve on his third place

WORCESTER Warriors lost their warm-up match 33-19 away to a strong combined Neath/Swansea last night. Sixways director of rugby John Brain said: "That was just the test we needed and I am satisfied with the performance against a well drilled side." The

THE unbridled passion and excitement generated by the 34th Ryder Cup will linger long in the minds of those lucky enough to have witnessed one of sports' greatest events. Some will have more vivid memories than others and non more so than Mick Brady who

WORCESTER Warriors step up their preparations for the new season with a tough 'warm-up' match against the newly combined Welsh side Neath/ Swansea at the Gnoll tonight (7pm). Sixways director of rugby John Brain today named a starting line-up, but is

May 5, 1978 The church is like an engine and every part should be automatically oiled to work properly, Prince Philip said in Redditch yesterday. Speaking to an invited audience of church and community leaders at the Town Ecumenical Centre, the Duke of

THE Sunday book fair will be held at Callow End Village Hall on Sunday, January 11, from 10am till 4pm. Bargain books and refreshments available all day. Also on Sunday, Junior Church resumes at St James's Church, Callow End, at 9.30am. Children of all

JON Hylton made an immediate claim for a full-time Sixways contract with a hat-trick of tries in Worcester's 72-0 win over Stourbridge. The former Wasps winger, on trial as cover for the injured Nnamdi Ezulike, showed an abundance of pace as he blew away

CHAMPAGNE corks popped for a pensioner who won a "thank-you" bottle of bubbly for her charity work - just in time to celebrate her 80th birthday. Margaret Haywood, of Kent Close, is the first winner of a scheme to say "cheers" to Wyre Forest folk raising

RHONA Humphries won the Ladies Golf Union Foundation Brooch at Worcester Golf and Country Club's Boughton Park course. Results: Rhona Hum-phries 93 29 64; Silver -- Gillian Turner 89 20 69 (back 9), Liz Banner 83 14 69; Bronze I -- Rhona Humphries 93

NEXT Saturday, January 17, the Wells Revellers have invited Sue Black and Peter Yeadon to provide entertainment for their candlelight supper. Sue is well known as a versatile singer whose repertoire ranges from light opera to folk. Peter, who will accompany

FORTY people welcomed in the New Year at a dinner/dance at Powick Parish Hall last Wednesday. The meal consisted of cold starters followed by turkey curry, naan bread and jacket potatoes, and then assorted desserts, cheese and biscuits plus coffee. Music

THE season of surprises continues at Perdiswell Park Golf Club with the latest competition results. The August Medal was won by one of the youngest of the club's juniors, 12-year-old Joe Ballard with a surprising 96-36-60 round which gave him the overall

WORCESTER Rugby Club will run the rule over trialist Jon Hylton in their pre-season friendly with Stourbridge tomorrow at Sixways (3pm). The 22-year-old has joined from Zurich Premiership champions Wasps after Worcester moved quickly for cover in the

FOR me Christmas began on Friday night with this fantastic evening of festive music. The concert began with a lovely unaccompanied In the Bleak Midwinter, Silent Night in English and German, and a spine-tingling O Holy Night. Chris Wright sang a selection

Team squad profiles and news

COLIN Smith never dreamed he would get a hole-in-one but after sinking an ace at Bransford Golf Club's seventh hole could be forgiven for wishing he hadn't after his exploits cost him £120. The 47-year-old struck lucky, or should that be unlucky, during

A CLAY pigeon shoot in aid of the building appeal was such a hit it will be repeated. More than £800 was raised by the event, hosted by Kidderminster Gun Club, which attracted 48 competitors from clubs in Wyre Forest and beyond. "It was a very successful

The latest of many changes to West Malvern's shopping area took place over the New Year, with the transfer of the headquarters of the Orange Grove to new premises in Leigh Sinton Road. This agency, which acts on behalf of local authorities across the

ANDY Keast has hinted that Worcester may be a touch more pragmatic this season. The Sixways club - dubbed the entertainers for their avalanche of tries last year - may change the game plan slightly as they go for the National One crown. "It will be a

ANDY Keast is hoping to involve Ben Hinshelwood in Worcester Rugby Club's opening pre-season friendly next Saturday. The Sixways coach wants the centre to play in the home match with Stourbridge but is well aware that the Scottish camp will now be encroaching

JONATHAN Devereux set a new course record of 66 in scoring 41 stableford points to win division one of Herefordshire Golf Club's August stableford. This beat the 67 set by Ian Carpenter for the altered course in 1997. Results, division one (0-14): 1 Jonathan

DAREN O'Leary looks set to shrug off a hamstring injury and make his debut for Worcester Rugby Club next weekend. The former Gloucester winger has a slight tear in his hamstring but took part in some training this week and is now expected to be fit for

HEALING hands will be invigorating an appeal when a masseur attempts a day-long marathon for charity. Andy Cox is lining up 18 people for sponsored hour-long massages over 24 hours in aid of terminally-ill children. He hopes to raise at least £500 from

WHEN Matt Adams first thought about university he imagined he would be furthering his education in the British Isles - possibly Birmingham, London or Manchester but a golf scholarship in South Carolina! The prospect of a four year degree in America's

EXHIBITS tailored by a group of patchworkers and quilters are going on display to mark its 10th birthday and drum up cash for charity. Forest Quilters will stage the two-day spectacle, which represents the whole range of its repertoire, at Kidderminster

To say Blur were well received during their two-hour set would be an understatement. Damon Albarn and co came on stage to rapturous applause and screaming - and the crowd started as they meant to go on. Although Damon, in particular, was looking considerably

THE dream of an Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester has taken another step nearer to reality after the first month of fund-raising. Donations and pledges equalling £50,000 have been received, storming towards the £4m total needed for the work to begin

GEORGE Davis is already eyeing a return to Sixways after signing for Exeter Chiefs. The prop, who was released by Worcester Rugby Club earlier in the summer, signed for the County Ground side this week on a one-year deal. However, the former Bristol man

British Hedgehog Preservation Society: Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow (01584 890801). Cat Action Trust (1977): (01299 402186). Celia Hammond Animal Trust: (01299 404578 or 01562 863221). Forest Dog Rescue: (01299 266858). RSPCA: (08705 555999). Wyre

Jim Davidson's latest DVD/video, which sees him extol the virtues of the Purple Party in a tongue-in-cheek bid to become Prime Minister, would make the perfect Christmas present for any xenophobic, foul-mouthed relative. However, anyone not possessing

PROMISING Hereford golfer Gregg Morgan continued his impressive run of form with a joint fourth finish in the Carad Trophy. It was the Belmont youngster's best finish to date in a top class senior event and he shot a four round total of 287 for the Konica

AN intrepid couple have survived a two-wheeled trip the length of Britain for the Kemp Hospice appeal - and even enjoyed it. Sonia and Mark Hyrons, of James Road, Kidderminster, completed the 950-mile route from Land's End to John O'Groats in just 12

JOHN Brain has hailed his new signing at Worcester - Richard Bates! The Sixways director of rugby felt desperately sorry for the South African last season as he missed most of Worcester's campaign through injury. However, after Bates' recovery from a

BRANSFORD Golf Club held its annual Bannockburn Trophy with a good turn-out of members for both sides despite some dubious ancestry claimed on the Scotland side. The match was halved after all the matches were played, so the captains staged a putting

JOHN Brain has revealed he turned down the chance to sign Bristol-bound Chris Malone. Worcester's director of rugby was offered the Australian two months ago but decided to turn his attentions to Tommy Hayes. Fly-half Malone, who has joined Bristol from

IT was Willie Sayce's dying wish that his land be donated to help life-limited children and their families. And it's a dream that is about to be set in stone, when work begins on Worcester's Acorns Children's Hospice. For years builders had been offering

BEN Hinshelwood is staying cool about his World Cup bid but it's hardly surprising after braving temperatures of -130c. Worcester Rugby Club's centre jetted off with the rest of the Scottish national squad earlier this month bound for Poland and a pre-World

Debdale Equine Centre: Cookley, Kidderminster (01562 850662). Hartlebury Equestrian Centre: Manor Lane, Waresley (01299 250710). Manor Farm Riding School: St John's Road, Stourport (01299 822403). Severn Valley Junior Riding Club: Rachel Kingsley, Secretary

THIS concert celebrating 25 years of service to the society by president Mary Southall, was packed with glorious music from old Vienna, all accompanied by the talented Angela Savage on piano. There were songs from Johann Strauss II operettas, and Lehar's

April 21, 1978 TWO men had a miracle escape when their light aircraft made a dramatic forced landing in a field 200 yards from a busy main road. The single engine Cessna 150 made the landing in a field close by the A435 Alcester to Birmingham Road at

ONE fund-raiser is Kevin Garford, head chef at Worcester Rugby Club. Kevin first became involved when he was saw Acorns leaflets at the rugby club, and was persuaded by colleagues to sign up for last year's Great Wall of China walk. "I'd been doing some

Castle Farm Livery: Whitehouse Farm, Ismere, Kidderminster (01562 700003 or 07976 178039). Lea Castle Equestrian Centre: Wolverley Road, Kidderminster (01562 850088).

A STREET collection has pulled in a record haul from generous townsfolk. Last month's annual effort in Kidderminster raised £690 for Kemp Hospice, the best total for a one-day collection in the town.

FLUTE player Kerry-Anne Searle, clarinettist Judith Hood and bassoon player Joanna Coombes did Birmingham Conservatoire proud at their concert at Kidderminster Town Hall on Friday. While I must admit classical music is not my chosen genre, the evening

April 10, 1953 AN appeal to help the recently formed youth club to find suitable accommodation was made by Mr JT Grubb at Studley's annual parish meeting last week. In support, Mr GC Hill asked if an appeal could be made to the public to offer free help

WILLIAM Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 and died there in 1616 writes JULIE ROYLE. His birthplace soon became a place of literary pilgrimage, but it was not until 1769 that the phenomenon, which is Stratford tourism really began. A Shakespeare

AN antiques valuation day has given a welcome boost to Kemp Hospice's planned state-of-the-art home. Last week's event, held in glorious sunshine in Shatterford, raised £800 for the appeal. Two experts from Halls Fine Art, which has an office in Kidderminster's

April 7, 1978 JOINT discussions between local authorities could result in Redditch Council losing a £30,000 loan towards a new dual use sports hall. While talks are going on, the £50,000 scheme cannot go ahead. Local councillors were warned this week

SHE may be 58 but iconic pop star Debbie Harry can still cut it live as the band which made her a legend proved in Birmingham on Saturday night. Frenzied dancing, impassioned singing and a stage presence which would even put Kylie to shame gave the setlist

EVERY year, 25 children who could have benefited from Acorns die across the three counties. And their parents and siblings will continue to suffer alone until the new Worcester hospice is built. A huge total of £4m needs to be raised before building work

A LIFE-SIZE Nativity scene will greet festive visitors to Wyre Forest's popular Bodenham Arboretum in the run-up to Christmas. Visitors old and young will be able to follow a new Star Nativity Trail, with "live" animals including a pair of donkeys helping

THERE are two seats which loom large in my memory so far as Acorns is concerned, and I could take you to both of them now. One was the fibreglass seat of a single-seater racing car, on a narrow strip of tarmac close to the Gower Peninsula on a windy April

The Ledbury Reporter's Gary Bills will be signing copies of his latest poetry collection, The Ridiculous Nests of the Heart, at Ledbury Books and Maps on Saturday, January 17, from 10am to 1pm. His collection The Echo and the Breath came out in June 2001

April 3, 1953 The sudden closure in the middle of last week of the bus shelters round Church Green and their demolition on succeeding days has been sufficient to remind people that a new bus terminus between Red Lion Street and George Street has been

AN exhibition is being staged by a Malvern artist to illustrate the value of a dormant painting technique she has revived. Catherine Moody, an art teacher and writer for more than 60 years, began the project when a group of artists asked her to teach

March 31, 1978 The official wind-up date for Redditch new town has now been set for June 31, 1982. Redditch Development Corporation will then cease to exist and the town will be handed over to the Commission for New Towns. Corporation housing is already

THE wheels on the Kemp Hospice Appeal are still spinning thanks to a tireless orthodontist who has raised £10,000 cycling across a continent. Christopher Gait completed the 3,000-mile sponsored marathon in 30 days from Washington State to Massachusetts

CECIL Duckworth will lead from the front this season as he aims to spearhead Worcester's promotion challenge. The Sixways chairman is to have a more hands-on role at the rugby club as Worcester battle for the National One title and promotion to the Premiership

ANDY Keast has labelled new signing Drew Hickey 'The best back row forward in National One by a country mile.' Worcester Rugby Club's coach has been delighted with the new signings that began training last week and admits that he cannot wait to see Hickey

A UNIQUE memento for a former pupil or teacher of a Kidderminster school is on offer. The main sign which used to welcome people to Harry Cheshire Community High School is being auctioned off to boost Kemp Hospice's fund-raising appeal. Sixty-five years

March 27, 1953 COOKHILLS' first post- war council houses are expected to be started this year, Mr CH Gardiner, clerk to Evesham Rural District Council, stated in a letter read at last week's meeting of the Cookhill Women's Institute. The letter, read

BEN Hinshelwood jets off to Poland tomorrow desperate to keep his World Cup dreams alive. Worcester Rugby Club's star centre will travel with a Scotland squad to Poland as they begin the countdown to the autumn showpiece event Down Under. However, this

CATS is not so much a musical nowadays as a phenomenom. One of the West End's longest running shows, it further cemented Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's status as the nation's leading musicals composer, brought TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

MATT Powell is warning Werner Swanepoel -- I'm gunning for your place! Worcester Rugby Club's new scrum- half, who made the switch from Harlequins last month, has immediately set his sights on the skipper's shirt. "I'd like to get myself a starting spot

THREE Worcester Rugby Club players are among a party of 36 England Under 19s who are flying out to South Africa today for a two-week training camp. The three Sixways boys are all forwards -- Dylan Hartley, a prop who has already played for England at

A SHOOTING afternoon is aiming to keep the Kemp appeal on target this weekend. Kidderminster Gun Club is hosting a clay pigeon shoot on Saturday for the campaign for a new home for the hospice. There are sections for men, women and youngsters in the 100

DAREN O'Leary has admitted it was the Andy Keast factor that brought him to Sixways. The winger, who signed for Worcester Rugby Club from Gloucester in the close season, is delighted to have re-joined the coach after spells with him at Harlequins. O'Leary

JENNIFER Bishop won the inaugural Bransford Golf Club ladies open. Bishop of Bransford won division one, ahead of runner up Elaine Walker from Brickhampton GC runner up. The division two winner was Janice Brown from Ombersley GC who pipped fellow member

ANOTHER excellent offering from our "Men in Red" got off to a cracking start with a Cole Porter Medley, and the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic, which featured a solo by chairman Peter Burns. Close Thine Eyes was dedicated to president Richard Scotcher

ENJOYING a joke and a sing-song have combined to give professional Mike Welsh a burgeoning second career. By day the 44-year-old is the head pro at Hereford's spectacular Belmont Lodge and Golf Course but by night he becomes Mr Karoake and even does stand-up

ENGLAND stars Lawrence Dallaglio and Josh Lewsey will be strutting their stuff at Sixways next month. Worcester Rugby Club have finalised their last pre-season fixture with London Wasps set to take on the Warriors on Friday, August 29 (7.30pm). The home

IT'S not every golfer who can say they have competed against Tiger Woods but Oliver Darby has -- though like most pros on the world circuit he didn't beat him. The 26-year-old, who has recently taken up a post as PGA teaching professional at Droitwich's

March 13, 1953 The funeral of the late Mrs Harriet Millar Lane, widow of the late Mr A C Lane, the Post Office, Bradley Green, took place at Bradley Parish Church last week. Mrs Lane, who was 87 years of age, came to live at Bradley Green 16 years ago

LAUGHTER filled the Ramada Hotel last Wednesday when Rabbi Lionel Blue performed an evening of amusing anecdotes and jokes as part of this year's Bewdley Festival. The 73-year-old was charming and witty and gained an almost instant rapport with the audience

PHIL Richards will today begin the task of turning Worcester into National One's mean machine. The newly-installed Worcester Rugby Club fitness coach met up with the Sixways squad today as the players reported back for pre-season training. And the former

March 7, 1903 MARK Holtom, drayman, Studley, was charged with being asleep while in charge of a horse and cart on the highway at Studley on February 19. He pleaded guilty. Pc Hall said defendant had a rug over his head and he walked by his side for a

SO much has been said about Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited fourth film ahead of its release that you could well find yourself loving or hating it before even settling into a cinema seat. However, after the first instalment the jury is still out - thanks

KEMP Hospice is appealing for drivers. It is looking to recruit at least three more volunteers to ferry patients to and from the Sutton Park Road centre at about 10am and 3pm respectively. People can work days they can manage. Expenses of 35p-a-mile are

March 6, 1953 Flying Officer Ronald Taylor, of Beoley Road, Redditch, was killed when the Meteor aircraft he was flying crashed in Wiltshire last week. Mr Taylor, who was 24 years of age and the only son of Mrs E and the late Mr Taylor, joined the RAF

BEN Hinshelwood will begin pre-season training with the rest of Worcester Rugby Club's squad on Tuesday. The Scottish international, still recovering from his broken leg suffered in January, continues the road to recovering with the rest of the Sixways

March 3, 1978 Studley Parish Council have demanded that a village street should be sign-posted after five years of anonymity. The street in question, Albert Close, has stood without a name sign since it was first constructed behind the village High Street

JOHN Brain has thanked his Worcester Rugby Club squad for sticking together as he checked out from his summer shopping spree. Worcester's director of rugby has brought in 10 new faces during the close season but he is equally delighted to have kept the

West Midland Arts: 82 Granville Street, Birmingham B1 2LH (0121 6313121). Wyre Forest Arts Forum: Ray Harrowing, 147 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster (01562 822476). Wyre Forest Arts Development: Green Street, Kidderminster (01562 732990 or 732978).

A WHEELBARROW race has proved an inventive way of raising cash for the Kemp Hospice appeal. Students from Kidderminster College careered along pushing specially decorated wheelbarrows on Friday and are putting sponsorship money towards the campaign to

THIS brave attempt at contemporary comedy is let down by a bitty script that never gets to grips with the matter in hand - a phobia of flying. Writer John Godber - who penned Fly Me to the Moon for amateur societies - doesn't include many gags but tries

February 24, 1978 The pride of the Midlands and the envy of every other town in the region - that's Redditch's Kingfisher Shopping Centre. And it is still only half built. Work has now begun on the first stage of the third and final phase of the construction

A SALE of bric-a-brac, cakes and toys is being held in aid of Kemp Hospice. The event will take place at The Great Western Hotel, Kidderminster Road, Bewdley, from 10am on July 13.

WHEN it comes to movie anecdotes, Barry Norman has them coming out of his ears. After five decades spent probing the good, the bad and the ugly of Hollywood, the legendary film critic certainly has a few stories to tell. And tell them he does, kicking

WORCESTER Rugby Club will once again have the chance to reach the Premiership after promotion for the National One champions was rubber stamped. A panel from Premier Rugby, three from First Division Rugby and one from the RFU has been reviewing promotion

WORCESTER Rugby Club duo Nicky Crawford and Jo Yapp play for England in their second match in the Churchill Cup in Canada tonight. The pair are both in the starting line-up to face the United States at the Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver. England beat

St Mary's Bell Ringers, Cleobury Mortimer: Alec Osbaldiston, Captain of the Tower, c/o The Rectory, St Mary's Church, Cleobury Mortimer. Worcester and District Change Ringing Association: David Andrews, Captain of bells, St John the Baptist C of E Church

February 17, 1978 Redditch's new £8million superhighway has become the town's crash-a-day accident black-spot just three weeks after it was opened. And firemen stationed near the blackspot on the Alvechurch Highway say they have been more like ambulance

MARK Gabey has undergone more surgery to fix his broken arm. Worcester Rugby Club's powerhouse lock broke his arm back in January but, after an April comeback, he was expected to have no further complications. The former Bath man, though, has continued

February 14, 1903 Accident to a telegraph messenger - a painful accident occurred to a telegraph messenger named Sanders on Tuesday afternoon. The authorities have just issued a number of bicycles for the use of telegraph messengers at the Redditch Post

THE last time The Valentines and Russell Painter combined in a concert, it was so successful they decided to repeat the idea, and again entertained us superbly. The ladies are always asked to sing My Heart Will Go On and, although I have heard this many

A RUNNER in a nationwide relay is dedicating the money he raises to the Kemp Hospice appeal. Bally Kooner, 37, will run 440 yards through Telford on July 19 as part of the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay carrying the futuristic object that will arrive in

GAVIN Pfister has undergone surgery after complaining of a shoulder injury. Worcester Rugby Club's openside flanker played through the pain last season but is now expected to be fit for the start of the season. "He played the last quarter of the season

LINDA Marlowe has been, at various points in her life, a lesbian, drug smuggler, wife to four husbands, mother of four, circus performer, burnt-out rock star, sexploitation movie "actress" and jungle adventurer. This, according to the blurb for her one

JOHN Brain has confirmed that Matt Powell will be playing for Worcester Rugby Club next season. The Sixways director of rugby is just waiting to see the scrum-half's signature on the dotted line but the player and agent have both informed Brain that he

EVER wondered how much that old clock or chair is worth? An antique valuation day next month could satisfy your curiosity and help a good cause. All proceeds from the event, to be held at Romsley near Shatterford on Monday, July 15, from noon until 4pm

PETER Finch has left Worcester Rugby Club after failing to agree on a new deal. The fitness coach is expected to return to New Zealand later this year after spending two seasons at Sixways. The 44-year-old had spent the past couple of weeks mulling over

WYRE Forest's marvellous band delighted their audience with music from the show/film Brassed Off, which they have appeared in on stage several times. From the show was the march Florentina, the glorious Clog Dance, and my own favourite - Danny Boy, in

JOHN Brain has put an-other one over Orrell with the capture of Tommy Hayes. Worcester's director of rugby flew to Glasgow yesterday to seal the switch in a dramatic swoop after the Edge Hall Road club had offered the 29-year-old a deal. The fly half

Wyre Forest Community Circus: Mr S. Grainger (07970 107845 or 01432 890634).

DESPITE her cancer, Kemp Hospice gave Julie Smith her pride and dignity back. Her mother Jean has told of the sensitivity of Kemp Hospice staff and the confidence her daily visits gave her. Julie, who died last July at the age of 31 after being diagnosed

February 3, 1978 DON'T hoard petrol - and we might just scrape through this dispute with fuel to spare. This was the message from some garage owners in Redditch as the tanker drivers' work-to-rule began to bite. Others were more pessimistic. Panic buying

AN all-round spectacle greeted those who stepped back in time courtesy of the 18th Century Concert Orchestra on Sunday. St Anne's Church in Bewdley - itself completed in 1738 - provided the fitting candle-lit venue for the musicians dressed in their handmade

January 31, 1903 AMOST successful ball promoted by Dr Bodger and Mr J G Green, Manor House, in aid of the Military Band, took place in the Public Hall on Thursday. The hall was most elaborately decorated with flowers, flags and art muslin and reflected

WORCESTER Rugby Club have swooped for former New South Wales Waratahs hooker Ben Daly. The 27-year-old joins the growing list of former Sydney University players to come to Worcester after Ben Hinshelwood and Drew Hickey. Daly, like Hinshelwood, qualifies

Dance: Mrs Jill Foster, Ballet and Tap, Kidderminster Youth House, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 752711). Foxs Morris Dancers: Martin de Vine, Lea Lane, Cookley (01562 850397). Modern Sequence and Old Time Dance Groups: Principals Margaret and

January 30, 1953 THE vicar of Inkberrow, The Rev G A Harrison, presiding at the annual meeting of the committee of St Paul's Church, Cookhill last Thursday, expressed opposition to the proposal to introduce legislation to parliament to make wider Sunday

THE Wyre Forest District Council Ranger Service has only been looking after Hurcott Pools and Wood nature reserve for a couple of years. This follows its purchase by the district council with grant help from both English Nature and the New Opportunities

DREW Hickey is looking forward to teaming up with former university chum Ben Hinshelwood after signing for Wor-cester Rugby Club. The 25-year-old made the switch from Orrell to Sixways this week and immediately sought out his old buddy from Sydney University

January 24, 1903 ON Saturday, many people went to Hewell Park to witness the interesting and amusing game of 'curling' on the lake. Mr R Forrest JP brought up a team from St Fagan's comprising Major Forrest, Mr P Forrest, Mr Hugh Pettigrew, Mr Hunter.

JOHN Brain is celebrating the capture of one of National One's outstanding talents. Drew Hickey became a Worcester Rugby Club player after the Evening News exclusively broke the story yesterday. And the Sixways director of rugby was delighted to have

January 23, 1953 Wage claims made by several hundred men and women employed in the needle trade in Redditch and Studley are to go before an Industrial Council. Men claim an additional twopence an hour or 7s 4d for a 44-hour week and women 1d an hour or

WORCESTER Rugby Club were on the verge of a massive transfer coup last night as they put the finishing touches to a move for Orrell's Drew Hickey. The Australian number eight was at Sixways yesterday for talks about a move to Worcester following Orrell's

January 20, 1978 BRITISH Leyland office workers at Grosvenor House could join the Redditch dole queue if the company is reshuffled union leaders feared this week. And the rumours are now abounding that the new Leyland Cars computer centre at Moons Moat

THE momentum created by the public launch of Kemp Hospice's £2.2 million appeal nearly two weeks ago has continued with the prospect of another huge donation. The sum of £20,000 has been pledged by the Bulmer Benevolent Fund, linked to Herefordshire cider

January 17, 1903 A proposal has been made to provide some simple but permanent and lasting record of the names of those Redditch volunteers and yeomen who responded so readily to the call for volunteers in the time of England's stress about two-and-a-half-years

Bewdley Festival: Jenny Paddock, Festival Director, 30 Gardners Meadow, Bewdley (01299 402404). Cleobury Millennium Festival Committee: Secretary, Mrs C. Bills, Walford's Bridge, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 270249).

RICHARD Bates has been kept on by Worcester Rugby Club. The powerful flanker, who made a big impact last season when he was on the pitch, has had the second year of his contract honoured by the club. Bates, however, struggled with injury and after suffering

Bewdley Floral Art Club: Janet Ince (01299 400055). Kidderminster and Franche Floral Art Club: Carol Howell (01562 744662). Stourport Floral Art Club: Chairman Marguerite Stokes (01299 823727).

THE new man at Kemp Hospice has dedicated himself to fighting for its future. Michael Rowan came from an academic position at a Finnish university to fill the newly created post of hospice manager at the beginning of May. He arrives at a momentous period

Well, well... what's new?" That's the answer when one asks about the response from any member of the black and ethnic minority community to The Secret Policeman. Black people in Britain have suffered brutal and humiliating acts of racism throughout the